Uzbekistan Denies Lowering Electricity Export Rates to Afghanistan
Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to Maintain Unchanged Electricity Export Tariffs
The National Power Grid of Uzbekistan has announced that official tariffs for electricity exports to Afghanistan will not be changing. This decision was made following negotiations between Uzbekistan and an Afghan delegation led by Acting Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.
During the meetings, both parties discussed the potential for expanding cooperation in various sectors, including trade, energy, and transportation. One key agreement reached was to expand the Surkhan – Pul-e-Khumri power transmission line project, which currently operates at 220-500 kV. The project will now involve the construction of new substations and networks, with the total construction cost being reduced from $252 million to $222 million thanks to cost optimization and the increased use of localized materials.
The contract for this project is currently in the approval stage and will be signed once all necessary procedures have been completed. It is expected that this expansion will not only strengthen energy ties between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan but also contribute to the development of infrastructure in the region.
Previously, Abdul Ghani Baradar had mentioned that electricity tariffs would be lowered and that an agreement had been reached with Uzbekistan to increase electricity supply volumes during the summer season. These developments are crucial for meeting the energy needs of both countries and further solidifying their partnership in the energy sector.
Overall, the decision to maintain unchanged tariffs for electricity exports to Afghanistan demonstrates the commitment of both Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to sustainable energy cooperation and mutual development.
